In this article, I discuss the Best Layer 2 Scaling Solutions in Europe. These solutions are improving the speed, cost, and overall efficiency of transactions on the blockchain.
Technologies like Starknet, zkSync, Arbitrum, and Optimism are improving on Ethereum’s scalability while focusing on security, which helps fuel innovation in Europe’s flourishing DeFi, gaming, and Web3 ecosystems.
Key Poinst & Best Layer 2 Scaling Solutions In Europe
| Layer 2 Solution | Key Features / Strengths |
|---|---|
| Starknet | Zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-Rollups), high scalability, Cairo programming language |
| zkSync | ZK-Rollup-based, low fees, fast finality, supports EVM compatibility |
| Arbitrum | Optimistic rollups, high throughput, strong DeFi ecosystem |
| Optimism | Optimistic rollups, retroactive public goods funding, fast transactions |
| Immutable X | NFT-focused Layer 2 using ZK-Rollups, zero gas fees for NFT trades |
| Loopring | ZK-Rollups, decentralized exchange (DEX) protocol, low-cost trading |
| Polygon zkEVM | EVM-compatible ZK-Rollup, strong developer tools, low gas fees |
| Aztec Network | Privacy-focused ZK-Rollup, supports confidential DeFi transactions |
| Fuel Labs | Modular execution layer, UTXO-based rollup, high performance |
| Scroll | zkEVM rollup, developer-friendly, scalable and secure architecture |
10 Best Layer 2 Scaling Solutions In Europe
1. Starknet
Starknet is the best Layer 2 solutions built by StarkWare. It is built on ZK-rollups and is the best solution for improving the performance of Ethereum. With Starknet, developers can create and release dApps with Ethereum’s security at cheaper gas prices and at faster speeds.
Starknet is built on trustless computation with STARK proofs and offers computation scalability. With Cairo, Starknet’s built-in programming language, developers can build complex dApps, and more advanced tools will be available for the De-Fi and gaming apps.
Starknet has received significant amounts of trust and adoption with the most innovative and efficient approach towards Ethereum scalability while operating from Europe.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Zero-Knowledge Rollup (ZK-Rollup) |
| Developer | StarkWare Industries |
| Programming Language | Cairo |
| Main Focus | Scalable dApp deployment on Ethereum |
| Transaction Speed | High throughput with minimal gas fees |
| Security Model | Inherits Ethereum’s Layer 1 security |
| EVM Compatibility | Partial (through wrappers and tools) |
| Use Cases | DeFi, gaming, and large-scale Web3 applications |
| European Presence | Strong developer and research community in Europe |
2. zkSync
Matter Labs has built zkSync, which is a European Layer 2 solution. Utilising ZK proofs, zkSync executes Ethereum transactions that are near-instant and cost almost nothing. There are 2 main versions being offered which are zkSync Lite and zkSync Era.
They do not sacrifice decentralisation and scalability. With EVM compatibility, developers easily transition their Ethereum dApps. zkSync has placed a large focus on security, UX, and scalability which has brought users and significant projects within Europe.
zkSync’s target vision is to create a permissionless and user-centered web for DeFi transactions, payment transactions, NFT minting, and payment transactions. All of which are secured on the Ethereum mainnet and cryptographic proofs are offered.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Zero-Knowledge Rollup (ZK-Rollup) |
| Developer | Matter Labs (European-based) |
| Versions | zkSync Lite, zkSync Era |
| Main Focus | Fast, cheap, and secure Ethereum transactions |
| Transaction Fees | Up to 100x cheaper than Ethereum L1 |
| EVM Compatibility | Full (zkSync Era) |
| Security Model | ZK proofs verified on Ethereum |
| Use Cases | Payments, NFTs, and DeFi |
| European Presence | Originated in Europe; strong regional ecosystem |
3. Arbitrum
Developed by Offchain Labs, Arbitrum is one of the most utilized Layer 2 scaling networks. It uses optimistic rollup technology to improve Ethereum throughput and significantly lower transaction fees.
With complete Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, developers find it easy to migrate their existing smart contracts with little effort. It has a growing European community and infrastructure, with DeFi, gaming, and NFT projects as part of the growing ecosystem.
It is a fundamental part of the European Layer 2 landscape as the first point of contact in the adoption of scalable, flexible, and safe Ethereum blockchain solutions.
Arbitrum robust performance and a decentralization approach to expanding its user base makes it a prominent champion for Ethereum adoption throughout Europe.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Optimistic Rollup |
| Developer | Offchain Labs |
| EVM Compatibility | Full |
| Main Focus | High scalability for Ethereum dApps |
| Transaction Fees | 90–95% lower than L1 |
| Security Model | Fraud proofs verified on Ethereum |
| Network Variants | Arbitrum One, Arbitrum Nova |
| Use Cases | DeFi, gaming, NFTs |
| European Presence | Popular among European DeFi projects |
4. Optimism
Optimism is a Layer 2 scaling solution focused on expanding Ethereum’s transaction capacity and reducing gas fees. By processing transactions off-chain and sending proof back to Ethereum, Optimism guarantees transaction speed while maintaining security.
European developers and businesses have found Optimism delightful due to its simplicity, compatibility, and open-source community-driven governance. Optimism’s governance system, Optimism Collective, is focused on sponsored public goods in the Ethereum ecosystem.
By merging performance with community-focused initiatives, Optimism is enabling Europe’s blockchain projects to deliver scalable and impactful results across DeFi, gaming, and Web3 applications.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Optimistic Rollup |
| Developer | Optimism Foundation |
| EVM Compatibility | 100% |
| Main Focus | Lower gas fees and faster transactions |
| Governance Model | The Optimism Collective |
| Transaction Speed | Near-instant finality |
| Security Model | Fraud proof-based verification |
| Use Cases | DeFi, DAOs, Web3 infrastructure |
| European Presence | Widely adopted in European Ethereum communities |
5. Immutable X
Immutable X is a Layer 2 scaling solution built exclusively for NFTs and gaming applications. It uses StarkWare’s ZK-rollup technology. Immutable X allows users to mint and trade NFTs gaslessly and instantly with Ethereum-grade security.
It is based in Australia but widely used throughout Europe. Immutable X allows game and marketplace developers to integrate blockchain technology using simple APIs and SDKs.
Immutable X is focused user-friendly and scalable for large Web3 games and collectibles. Immutable X is driving the NFT and gaming revolution in Europe, giving creators, studios, and players the ability to interact high on Ethereum with low gas fees.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Zero-Knowledge Rollup (via StarkEx) |
| Developer | Immutable in collaboration with StarkWare |
| Main Focus | NFT minting and Web3 gaming |
| Transaction Fees | Zero gas fees for NFT trades |
| Carbon Impact | 100% carbon-neutral platform |
| EVM Compatibility | Partial |
| Security Model | Secured by Ethereum Layer 1 |
| Use Cases | NFT marketplaces, blockchain games |
| European Presence | Strong adoption among European gaming startups |
6. Loopring
Loopring is a Layer 2 scaling protocol for ZK-rollup interconnected DEXs and ZK-rollups integrated payments. It allows users to trade, and transfer funds in a secure and low-cost way, rapidly, while still maintaining the security of the Ethereum base layer.
Loopring design is unique in that it employs a hybrid of order book and AMM systems giving European traders unique flexible and control over their trades.
It uses sustainable and scalable infrastructure for the first time in Europe for digital asset management. Loopring’s vision is to offer users the same speed and cost of trading as centralized systems, expanding Europe’s blockchain ecosystem.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Zero-Knowledge Rollup (ZK-Rollup) |
| Developer | Loopring Foundation |
| Main Focus | Decentralized trading and payments |
| Transaction Fees | Up to 1000x cheaper than Ethereum |
| EVM Compatibility | Supported |
| Security Model | Ethereum-anchored ZK proofs |
| Unique Feature | Hybrid DEX (Order Book + AMM) |
| Use Cases | DeFi, wallets, and fast token transfers |
| European Presence | Used by multiple European DeFi platforms |
7. Polygon zkEVM
An advanced Layer 2 scaling solution integrating the scalability of Polygon and the technology of zero-knowledge proofs. Polygon zkEVM offers complete EVM equivalence, allowing developers to deploy Ethereum smart contracts as is.
Ethereum smart contracts will benefit from faster and cheaper transactions as well. This attracts Europe projects that are performance and cost sensitive. Polygon zkEVM employs zk-rollups to achieve remarkable throughput and secure
Ethereum anchored zk-rollups. Polygon ecosystem and European partnerships are dominant to the Polygon zkEVM use to scale DeFi, NFTs, enterprises to Ethereum, and decentralization.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Zero-Knowledge Rollup (ZK-Rollup) |
| Developer | Polygon Labs |
| Main Focus | Fully EVM-equivalent ZK scaling solution |
| EVM Compatibility | 100% (bytecode-level) |
| Transaction Fees | 90% cheaper than Ethereum mainnet |
| Security Model | ZK proofs verified on Ethereum |
| Use Cases | DeFi, NFTs, enterprise apps |
| Performance | High throughput and low latency |
| European Presence | Strong partnerships with EU blockchain projects |
8. Aztec Network
Aztec Network is a privacy-centric Layer 2 solution responsible for incorporating zero-knowledge proofs to Ethereum for private transactions. It enables users to operate DeFi transactions privately, revealing none of the sensitive information.
It resolves the on-chain scalability issues and provides privacy. With its zkSNARK technology, transactions are private, secure, and efficient. Aztec is a top player in the European privacy crypto ecosystem.
It offers privacy-preserving dApps through its proprietary language Noir. Aztec serves European privacy requirements for compliant blockchain and decentralized finance innovation.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Privacy-focused ZK-Rollup |
| Developer | Aztec Labs (UK-based) |
| Main Focus | Privacy and confidentiality in DeFi |
| Security Model | zkSNARK-based proofs |
| EVM Compatibility | Partial via custom tools |
| Unique Feature | Encrypted transactions on Ethereum |
| Use Cases | Private DeFi, confidential payments |
| Programming Language | Noir |
| European Presence | Headquartered and active in the UK market |
9. Fuel Labs
Using optimistic rollup technology, Fuel Labs is constructing one of the quickest modular execution layers for Ethereum and other platforms. It excels at the parallel execution of transactions, enabling unrivaled scalability without any security trade-offs.
Europe-headquartered Fuel Labs plans to redefine Layer 2 ecosystem FuelVM to deliver advanced Layer 2 performance by processing multiple transactions simultaneously.
For DeFi, gaming, and other large-scale blockchain applications, the combination of flexible programming and high throughput is a game-changer for developers.
By offering modularity, agility, and efficiency at all layers, Fuel Labs enhances the innovativeness of blockchain scalability and infrastructure in Europe, as well as Europe’s distributive blockchain technology.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Modular Optimistic Rollup |
| Developer | Fuel Labs (Europe-based) |
| Main Focus | Parallel transaction execution for high throughput |
| Virtual Machine | FuelVM |
| EVM Compatibility | Partial |
| Security Model | Ethereum-based fraud proofs |
| Performance | Ultra-fast modular design |
| Use Cases | DeFi, infrastructure, and gaming |
| European Presence | One of Europe’s leading modular blockchain projects |
10. Scroll
Building a community around a Layer 2 solution, Scroll is employing zero-knowledge rollups to achieve Ethereum scalability and full EVM equivalence. Developers can deploy their Ethereum applications and benefit from lower fees and faster transaction times.
Scroll also has zk-proofs on Ethereum securing trustless computing and high-level security. With a European developer community, Scroll fosters a culture of transparency, open-source cooperation, and long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.
It artfully links the worlds of scalability and decentralization, enabling new projects in DeFi, gaming, and enterprise to operate on a more efficient, secure, and green Ethereum network.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology Type | Zero-Knowledge Rollup (ZK-Rollup) |
| Developer | Scroll Foundation |
| Main Focus | EVM-equivalent scalability for Ethereum |
| EVM Compatibility | 100% |
| Transaction Fees | Very low, ZK-verified |
| Security Model | ZK proofs anchored to Ethereum |
| Open Source | Fully open-source architecture |
| Use Cases | DeFi, NFTs, Web3 scalability |
| European Presence | Growing developer community across Europe |
Conclusion
Finally, Europe’s finest Layer 2 scaling solutions—Starknet, zkSync, Arbitrum, Optimism and Polygon zkEVM—are paving the way for faster, cheaper, and safer transactions, transforming Ethereum’s development.
The use of ZK-rollups and optimistic rollups on these Layer 2 solutions fuels the innovation of DeFi, gaming, and Web3, establishing Europe as the world’s leader on blockchain scalability and next generation digital infrastructure.
FAQ
What are Layer 2 scaling solutions?
Layer 2 solutions improve blockchain scalability by processing transactions off-chain while maintaining Ethereum’s security.
Why are Layer 2s important in Europe?
They support faster, cheaper blockchain adoption across Europe’s growing DeFi and Web3 sectors.
Which are Europe’s top Layer 2 solutions?
Leading options include Starknet, zkSync, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon zkEVM.
What technology do these solutions use?
They use ZK-rollups and Optimistic rollups to scale Ethereum efficiently.
Are these solutions EVM compatible?
Yes, most—like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon zkEVM—offer full EVM compatibility.
